Honda Gold Wing gets upgrades for 2021

American Honda Motor Co. reports that its popular Gold Wing long-distance touring machine gets several improvements for 2021, including a larger trunk that can hold two full-faced helmets.

The luxury tourer’s trunk is 11 liters larger than the 2020 version, growing to a total storage capacity of 61 liters.

The newest Gold Wing, available in February, also features a passenger seat backrest with a more relaxed angle, thicker foam and a taller profile; a suede-like covered seat with colored seat piping; and a number of audio improvements including upgraded speakers, optimized automatic volume-adjustment level and a standard XM radio antenna.

Android Auto integration joins Apple CarPlay integration on the 2021 Gold Wing., meaning riders can connect their Android phones to the bike to access Google Assistant and use navigation tools such as Google Maps. Also, the new feature means Android phone users can access music, weather information and more.

The Gold Wing is powered by the latest version of its 1,833cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The standard Gold Wing offers a six-speed transmission that includes overdrive but riders also have the choice of other variations of the Wing that include Honda’s automatic DCT transmission.

The front suspension offers 4.3 inches of travel while there is 4.1 inches of travel in the rear. Braking power is handled by dual 320mm discs up front and a single 316mm disc in back. The front tire is a 130/70-18 and the rear is a 200/55/16. Seat height: 29.3 inches. Weight: 787 pounds wet.

Fuel capacity: 5.55 gallons. Honda says the Gold Wing gets 42 miles per gallon.

Colors and MSRP: Gold Wing, Deep Pearl Gray, $23,900; Gold Wing DCT, Deep Pearl Gray, $25,100; Gold Wing Tour, Candy Ardent Red, Metallic Black, $28,300; Gold Wing Tour DCT, Candy Ardent Red, Metallic Black, $29,300; Gold Wing Tour Air Bag DCT, Candy Ardent Red, $32,600.

For more information, go to powersports.honda.com.